The Schuylkill Canal Towpath has officially opened in Upper Providence Township, commemorating the last link of the Schuylkill River Trail from Philadelphia to Phoenixville in southeastern Pennsylvania. While a 1.75 mile trail segment may not seem significant, it is an important feat to Montgomery County and to the region’s trail network, The Circuit.

News Schuylkill Canal Towpath

“This is not just a gem in this part of our county, this is a gem that links our county together with Philadelphia. It opens up our trails that sees over a million people a year,” says Josh Shapiro, Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission.

Previously, trail users had to leave the Schuylkill River Trail and head onto local roadways before rejoining the trail. Campbell Thomas Architects and Urban Engineers came up with a design for a 125-foot pedestrian bridge, which allows trail users to navigate over a reconstructed spillway. It was constructed by Flyway Excavating, Inc.

The opening of the towpath is well timed, as the Schuylkill River Trail was just named Best Urban Trail in America by USA Today.